A Halloween costume depicting the rapper Lil Wayne caused uproar at an Arkansas university, forcing the administration to get involved. The costume was labeled offensive because the sorority member who wore it was white and donned blackface makeup.

“If you look at the historical reference to what they did it’s not a joking matter. And they took it as a game. I don’t take my black identity as a game,” said African American Student Association President Hailey Robinson.

The Zeta Tau Alpha member showed off her costume at a costume contest held Oct. 28. A picture of her in the outfit posted on Twitter and it didn’t take long before all students at Arkansas Tech were talking about it. University officials, who monitor social networks, found out about the controversy and stepped in to resolve conflict. The story has since spread outside the city limits of Russellville, Ark., where the university is located, because the picture went viral.

The sorority member is not being identified, but university officials said they are investigating the incident. Officials will likely require her to attend classes on respecting diversity. Officials said the school demographics have changed in recent years to include more minorities, so this incident carries more weight. Director of University Relations Sam Strasner said he wants everyone to learn from this.

“To use this a teachable moment. To allow it serve as a moment for our students to learn how to be respect other points of view,” Strasner said.

Sorority members and officials on campus have not talked about the controversial incident, but the International Office of Zeta Tau Alpha provided a written statement to the local television station.

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“Race and culture should not be a costume,” the statement said. “We are greatly troubled by the lack of judgment shown by our member this past week, and have reached out to the university, chapter leadership, and the campus African American Student Association to educate our members and the student community on the need for greater awareness and sensitivity.”

No one believes the sorority student meant harm when she dressed as the rapper. Those offended said they aren’t angry with her – just disappointed.

“I want her to know no one is mad at her, no one is mad at all. I want her to know we are disappointed,” said African American Student Association Member Taylor Paulk.

Robinson said she honestly believes the student simply wasn’t thinking of how it would appear when she put on the costume.